Editor's Review

A KDF chopper has crashed in Sindar, West Pokot County.

A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) chopper on Thursday, April 18 crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo Marakwet County. 

According to the reports the KDF chopper was carrying eight senior military officials including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla.

Ten of the occupants have been confirmed dead while two others who survived the accident have been airlifted by a second KDF helicopter to a hospital in Nairobi for medical attention.

The helicopter is reported to have taken off from Cheptulel Boys Secondary School before crashing.

Photos seen by nairobileo.co.ke showed the chopper in flames with some people surrounding the accident scene.

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KDF soldiers have cordoned off the accident scene as investigations are ongoing. 

A KDF chopper in flames after crashing in West Pokot

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in an update urged Kenyans to stay calm and avoid speculations over the chopper accident.

“Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft Crash shall be issued soon. Let’s stay calm and avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture,” Mwaura stated.

The crash comes months after another KDF helicopter crashed in Lamu County while on air surveillance. 

KDF however did not reveal the number of the exact number of soldiers that passed on during the crash. 

“Our condolences to the families and friends on the heartbreaking loss of our heroes in the Lamu helicopter crash. We honour their bravery in defending and protecting Kenya’s sovereignty. Our prayers are with the Kenya Defence Forces and all those that have been affected by the tragedy, “said President Ruto after the crash. 

Update

According to State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed, President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting at State House following the crash.  

"President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County," Mohamed said via X platform.